Benefit #1: Reduced health costs

The implementation of employee wellness programs results in lower health care costs.

A comprehensive review of the literature has concluded that employee wellness programs have the ability to reduce employee-related health care expenditures. 

Among the 22 different studies that looked at employee wellness programs and healthcare costs, the average return on investment was 3.27. This means that for every dollar that was spent on the program the company saved $3.27 because of reduced healthcare costs.

Probably the most famous example is that of Johnson & Johnson’s employee wellness program, which saved a total of over $38 million in its first four years, averaging $224 per patient per year.

Benefit #2: Higher engagement

Companies with employee wellness programs report higher employee engagement. 

Employee engagement is positively correlated with better health, according to Gallup’s research. 

A survey by the American Psychological Association has found that an overwhelming 91% of employees at companies that support well-being say they feel motivated to do their best. 

Benefit #3: Improved productivity

Employee wellness programs lead to higher employee productivity. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), productivity losses related to personal and family health problems cost U.S. employers $1,685 per employee per year, or $225.8 billion annually.

However, study after study confirms that employers who implement employee wellness programs consistently report improved employee productivity. The conclusion is clear: Participating in employee wellness programs can help improve productivity levels among employees. 

Benefit #4: Higher employee satisfaction

Employees in companies that have employee wellness programs report higher satisfaction with their job. 

According to the AFLAC Workforce Report, employees who took part in a workplace wellness program are more satisfied with their jobs than those who don’t partake.

WellSteps reports that employees in companies who offer employee wellness programs and initiatives are 67%  more satisfied than employees in companies who don’t have an employee wellness program. 

Benefit #5: Reduced absenteeism

Employee wellness programs lead to reduced absenteeism. 

Employees in companies that have employee wellness programs are less absent from work. In other words, they are less likely to miss work without a proper reason (such as taking a vacation, doing jury duty, having surgeries, attending funerals, etc.).

Research suggests that employers save on average $5.82 in lower absenteeism costs for every dollar spent on employee wellness programs.

Benefit #6: Better company culture

Employee wellness programs have a positive influence on the company culture. 

A new survey by Virgin HealthMiles Inc. and Workforce Management Magazine found that an overwhelming 77% of employees think that employee wellness programs positively impact the company culture.

This is in part due to the reason that during these programs employees come together and strengthen their relationships, but also because they feel being taken care of by their employer who really cares about them. 

Benefit #7: Higher retention

Employee wellness programs can help you tackle the problem of employee turnover, thus resulting in higher retention.

Employees in companies who have implemented employee wellness programs are less likely to leave their job than employees in companies without these programs. 

According to research conducted by an American Psychological Association, fewer (only 25%) employees in companies with employee wellness programs said they intend to leave their job in the next year. In companies without employee wellness programs, 51% of employees said they intend to leave their job in the following year. 

Benefit #8: Easier recruiting

Employee wellness programs have another great benefit – these programs can help you remain competitive within the labor market. 

Having an employee wellness program enhances your employer brand and makes it easier for you to attract and hire top talent. 

Candidates are more likely to choose an employer who offers an employee wellness program.

The Virgin HealthMiles/Workforce survey found that about 87% of employees said they consider health and wellness offerings when choosing an employer.

Also, companies with employee wellness programs report higher rates of successful employee referrals. 

According to the American Psychological Association, 89% of employees at companies that support well-being efforts are more likely to recommend their company as a good place to work.